Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are ready for a blockbuster matchup against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Itâs a rematch of last yearâs Western Conference final.
The Nuggets are favorites with a tremendous roster led by Jokic surrounded by enormous talent like Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell Pope, Michael Porter Jr and Aaron Gordon.
However, the Lakers are on a roll winning 12 of their last 15 games and are probably the current biggest threat in the NBA. Thatâs why, the Joker warned his teammates about whatâs coming next.
âIt was probably the toughest series that we had last year. Yes, we beat them 4-0, but theyâre a really talented team, well built. They have a couple guys getting back. I have respect for them.â

LeBron James will face once again Nikola Jokic (Getty Images)
NBA Playoffs 2024: Who is favorite to win in Lakers vs Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets are clear favorites (-375) to beat the Los Angeles Lakers (+270) in the start of the playoffs. Thatâs why LeBron James admitted they have to deliver almost perfect performances.
âWe have to play mistake-free basketball. Make it tough on them. Theyâre going to try to make it tough on us, obviously. But if we can play as great of a game as we can play, and theyâre going to play as great of a game as they play, itâs going come down to one or two possessions. And weâll see who executes then.â

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As it happened with Jokic, the King has outmost respect for the Denver Nuggets. âItâs the defending champion. They know what it takes. They know how to win. Theyâve been extremely dominant on their home floor over the last few years. Theyâve got an MVP on their team. Theyâve got a closer on their team. Theyâve got high-level players, high-IQ players and theyâve got a hell of a coach.â





